Executive Committee
Chair: Joji Kumagai 
Second generation Nisei whose parents emigrated to Canada in the 1960’s from Sapporo. Graduated from SFU with a degree in ecological science and toxicology. Travelled to Japan in 2001 and subsequently worked for 2 years in Japan in the JET program. Became a Tonari Gumi staff member in 2006 and then from 2007-2010 was the executive director. In order to continue contributing, became a board member even after resigning from the staff. Joji has also been very involved with helping in the efforts to raise funds for Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief.
Vice-Chair: Heidi Hamano 
Immigrated to Canada some twenty years ago. Has been active volunteer for the Family Drop In program for the last three years. Currently working as the only Japanese Accredited Mortgage Professional at TMG The Mortgage Group, the biggest independent mortgage firm in Western Canada. Previously worked for a Japanese Chemical Film Manufacturing firm, assuming the responsibility of General Manager overseeing sales and marketing activities in Europe & North America. Obtained Executive Sales and Marketing Diploma from UBC Sauder Business School. Resides in Burnaby. Hobbies are exercising and exploring different cuisines.
Secretary: Leslay Fugeta 
Born and raised in Penticton BC, the son of Hawley and Mytssu Fugeta of Kaleden (Penticton) BC who are long time supporters of the Tonari Gumi. Most of his career has been in resort management and he also had the privilege of serving on the planning and operations team for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. This is his second year serving on the Board and he looks forward to another positive year contributing to and supporting Tonari Gumi’s efforts and projects.
Treasurer: Greg Todd 
Newly elected to the Board this year, Greg was born in Toronto, raised in Edmonton, and has worked in various locales across the country. Greg settled in Burnaby, where he has lived for the past 3 decades. His connection to the Japanese Canadian community and culture began with marriage to his wife, Nanami, who grew up in Greenwood BC. After a 35 year career in bank branch administration, human resource management and project development, Greg retired several years ago to participate in the 2010 Olympics anti-doping group. His present independence provides a great opportunity to contribute time and experience where they may be of assistance.
Directors at Large
Motoko Reed 
Born in Japan, emigrated to the U.S. in 1965. Came to Canada with her husband in 1972. Was a key member in the early stages of Tonari Gumi, having started the lunch program and other TG activities. Has served as a volunteer, a staff member and now as a director, continually maintaining a deep relationship with Tonari Gumi.
Utako Ueki 
Born and raised in Osaka. After graduating from university, worked at Environmental Science Technology Centre of Hyogo Prefecture as a licensed analyst for water pollutants. Immigrated to Vancouver in 1974 and served as staff at Tonari Gumi in 1976. In 2011 retired after a 28 year career as a structural steel detailer. Now looking for her own retirement life style while enjoying going to the opera, reading, tea ceremony, etc.
Karla Mukai 
Raised in Richmond, graduated from a French immersion high school. After graduating with degrees in international relations and law from UBC, was admitted to the B.C. Bar in 2008. Currently working as a lawyer. Hobbies include field hockey and ice hockey.
Kozue Matsumoto
Born in Miyagi prefecture. 
After graduating in international relations, worked for a Tokyo-based IT firm. Last year graduated with an MA in Education from UBC. Has done research on Japanese Canadians in Vancouver. Plays the koto as a hobby and has been performing for more than 25 years.
Patrick Li
Born in Hong Kong but 
lived in Japan from the age of 9. His father owned a trading company in Kobe. In 1981, emigrated to Vancouver and joined Mitsui Canada as a steel trader in their Vancouver steel department. Patrick’s wife, Tomoko, became involved with Tonari Gumi in 1983 and Patrick would assist whenever he could. Upon retiring from Mitsui in 2010, he agreed to join the TG Board. Hobbies include playing squash, swimming and roller blading.
Yuri Wong 
Born in postwar Tokyo of parents who had escaped from Manchuria, emigrated to Canada in 1981. Although she immigrated as a pharmacist, she did not continue in that field but took a number of different jobs, including working for a Japanese bank and eventually settled into being a Japanese language teacher. Since retiring, she has taught ESL at Tonari Gumi from 2008, in addition to being a home-tutor. Hobbies include music, photography and traveling. She is also active in the Sakura Singers, NAV Chorus and her church choir.
Lurana Kikuko Tasaka 
Although newly elected as a director this year, Lurana Tasaka, or Kikko as she is better known at Tonari Gumi, has been intimately involved with Tonari Gumi both as a staff member and then subsequently as a dedicated volunteer for more than 20 years. She is a third generation sansei but has also experienced the wartime forced evacuation and so has a deep understanding of the Japanese Canadian community. Kikko is a strong supporter of building a community where our seniors can feel “at home” and all members of the community can work together to reach out and help each other.
Joanne Kuroyama 
Born and raised in Vancouver. She received both her BA in English Literature and her LLB at the University of British Columbia. She was called to the British Columbia Bar in 1998 and is a partner at the law firm of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, where she practices commercial litigation. Joanne is a Nisei and enjoys visiting family in Japan.
KC Sato 
Another newly elected member of the Board, KC Sato currently works at TELUS in the marketing group. He has been with Tonari Gumi as staff, a Director and event volunteer, so he knows Tonari Gumi’s successes and challenges. KC is a yonsei from Kelowna, married, and lives in Burnaby.
